Mr. Brockwood is searching for a new house because he is tired of having problems with neighbors and their pets. Mr. Hathaway is offering a house right next to his, but doesn't mention that his children are chimpanzees.
As a surprise for Elinor, Walter sends two painters over to his house to paint the car black. Unbeknownst to Walter, Elinor has temporarily allowed the neighbors to park their brand new white car in the Hathaway garage.